Knicks Reportedly 'Checked In On' Marcus Smart Before Lakers Contract, Wizards Buyout

The New York Knicks reportedly "checked in on" guard Marcus Smart before the Washington Wizards bought out his contract and the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a two-year deal, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Smart intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks also "seriously pursued" the 11-year veteran, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards last season.

The Knicks have reportedly been in the market for a player to sign on a deal at the veteran's minimum, per SNY's Ian Begley, who reported that the team has been in touch with Ben Simmons. Begley also mentioned Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook being "among the lead guards" on the market while speaking on the situation regarding Smart before the buyout.

Bondy touched on five options the Knicks could pursue for the final free agent spot. Smart had been among them, as was Paul, although Bondy wrote that a CP3-Knicks pairing was unlikely.

Now, the Knicks' search for a veteran continues. Smart's off the board, but we'll see what New York decides as the team looks to improve upon its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.